"Marquis of Pacifying the Realm retired?"
"Marquis of Pacifying the Realm retired!"
After the court assembly, the news spread throughout the Imperial City and beyond, stirring countless thoughts that gathered into a vast, surging force rolling through the sky. Even the Dragon Qi was affected, shifting and twisting.
From this, one could see just how enormous the impact of Qiu Yan's departure had been. No one knew how many lay awake at night, nor how many were filled with righteous indignation. Yet there were also those who rejoiced, overjoyed beyond measure.
Naturally, none of these emotions escaped the Heart Demon's control. As the Heart Demon Body of the highest rank upon this land, Qiu Yan's Heart Demon perceived them all, understanding their causes and consequences clearly.
Yet these changes in countless minds did not affect Qiu Yan in the slightest. After that day's court assembly, he shed his official robes and handed over his seal, then returned to his residence to enjoy time with his family and kin, teaching his sons and nephews to read while attending his uncle at his bedside.
Qiu Yan's uncle, Liu Huai, was already frail with age, his lifespan nearly exhausted. He now lay in bed, his face gaunt and withered. Yet this was not the look of illness, but the manifestation of a life reaching its end.
That morning, after rising, Qiu Yan practiced a set of body-strengthening punches in the courtyard before going to Liu Huai's room to pay his respects.
Before pushing open the door, he paused slightly. His gaze swept over the door, and he seemed to realize something. Then he sighed, summoned a maid, and instructed her to bring Liu Yue and the others. Only then did he push the door open.
On the bed inside, Liu Huai stared blankly